The Duke of Shadows

After I finished this book, I immediately got on IM and sent messages to my friends, telling them I'd just glommed The Duke of Shadows. I begged them to get it at once, toss out their TBR list, and devour it immediately.

I don't do story summaries. If you want the blurb, it's here on the page. This is homage. This is me, struggling to express all the ways the book succeeds, no, soars. Take a woman, saturated with loss. Cast her to a man who has worn so many faces, he is no longer sure which is his true self. In many ways, Julian is a soul divided, and Ms. Duran portrays it with such grace and valor that I will always, always remember this hero, and his love for the complex, passionate Emmaline.

The Duke of Shadows was pitch-perfect, not a single wrong note. This book ravished me. The writing is lovely and luminous, bedizened with subtle poetry. It hit me like a fist in the chest, rousing a sudden, shocking ache. In reading this, you will be permeated with yearning. Some sentences are so lovely, they make you say, "Oh," in quiet, helpless admiration. This book is pure beauty married to elegance and simplicity.

I could go on, but I think I will let you discover the rest yourself. I want to read The Duke of Shadows again, again, again. The characters were so well-drawn and compelling, and the plot smart and well-researched. And the emotional intensity...good God, it was gut-wrenching. I found myself in tears more than once, and that doesn't happen often. This book is perfection, better, in fact, than any historical romance I've ever read. I am astonished to find a work of such proficiency and power in a debut author.

If Meredith Duran is not a superstar in ten years, taking her place amid such luminaries as Laura Kinsale and Loretta Chase, then the world is mad. Read this book.

Meredith Duran has written some wonderful romance novels in the course of her career. Her books combine evocative descriptions and emotional intensity with unique characters and plots. The Duke of Shadows was Ms. Duran's debut novel and her talent was already evident.

Emmaline Martin and her parents are traveling from England to India for Emma's wedding to Marcus Lindley. She has been betrothed to Marcus since childhood, but her parents insist that it's now time for her to marry him. On the voyage over, the ship capsizes and Emma is the lone survivor. She is rescued at sea by a group of sailors and given safe passage to Delhi. Once reunited with her fiancé, an army officer in the British East India Company, Emma is quickly disabused of any romantic notions that she had for Marcus. Emma has always found him handsome and charming, but the man she sees again in Delhi is arrogant, unfaithful and more interested in her dowry then her. She's still dealing with the trauma of the shipwreck and losing her parents, so she doesn't immediately send Marcus packing.

While attending a party of British expatriates, Emma spots a man of mixed Anglo-Indian heritage and they have a brief conversation. She initially mistakes the man for a soldier, but he's actually at the party to speak with the Commissioner about the increasing resentment of the natives against British rule. When Emma's fiancé pulls her away from the conversation, she learns that Julian Sinclair, Marquess of Holdensmoor, is actually Marcus's cousin. Marcus considers Julian inferior because of his mixed heritage and resents that Julian is heir to the Duke of Auburn, instead of himself. Julian was born in India, but after the age of 5, he was raised and educated in England. Years of antagonism have resulted in both men despising and distrusting one another. It becomes evident at the party that with the possibility of an Indian uprising on the horizon, Julian is not entirely trusted by either side on the issue. He's looked at as a man with divided loyalties.

In subsequent encounters, Emma and Julian form a quiet friendship mainly based on their feelings of being outsiders in the current environment. Julian warns Emma that the boiling tensions between the British colonials and native Indians are about to erupt. Marcus dismisses the likelihood of rebellion and after one rather ugly exchange, Emma finally breaks off their engagement. When the rebellion does materialize, it's Julian, and not Marcus, that rescues Emma and tries to find her a safe haven.

Ms. Duran doesn't shy away from describing the violence of the uprising. While extremely graphic, the descriptions are never gratuitous. Julian leaves Emma in what he believes is safe-keeping, while he goes back to Delhi to make sure his Indian grandmother and other family members are safe. Emma comes to believe she's been abandoned, while Julian believes Emma's been killed during the uprising. While some readers may dislike the big misunderstanding trope, I find that it was believable in this instance and not merely a convenient plot device.

The next part of the novel is set in London. The violence that Emma witnessed during the rebellion and the loss of her parents has caused Emma to experience what we would now term PTSD. The only thing that's saved her sanity is her artwork. Emma has painted vivid and disturbing scenes of the violence she witnessed, but she's done nothing with the paintings. Her cousin shows them to Lord Lockwood* and he convinces Emma to allow him to put her paintings on display. Emma is reluctant, but eventually agrees as long as she can use a pseudonym, After a four year separation, it's at this art exhibit that Emma comes face to face with Julian. Although Julian still loves Emma, she has closed herself off from any feelings for him. To love him is to put her heart at risk and Emma is no longer able or willing to do this.

Julian is patient in the face of her constant rejection, while Emma slowly heals and learns to trust again. They must also face a new danger that is somehow connected to her paintings.

The Duke of Shadows is a wonderful debut novel. It usually takes years to meld great writing skills with excellent characterization, but Ms. Duran achieves this in her first book. If I had one minor complaint, it's that Marcus is too much the one-dimensional stereotypical villain. Emma knew him for years, yet she never saw how craven he was until India. Emma is a highly intelligent woman, so it's not in character for her to be ignorant of his duplicity. That's a small quibble, however, when there is so much to like about this book.

If you want a story of heartbreaking love with a HEA set against the backdrop of the British Raj and British colonialism, then this has to be at the top of your reading pile.

*As an aside, Lord Lockwood's story is briefly introduced in this book, but his complete story is finally told in Ms. Duran's recently released book, The Sins of Lord Lockwood.

I'll never forget the opening pages of this book, when Emmeline was hanging on to the lifeboat. She had just witnessed the deaths of her parents and so many other people. She was the last survivor and she couldn't turn the boat over, she could only hang on. Just a little while longer.

The first half of this book took place in India, and the heat, the color, the arrogance of the occupying English surrounded by people they barely acknowledged as people - and the underlying unrest, danger and conspiracy - I was overwhelmed. This part of the book was breathtaking. I loved how Julian fell for Emma.

The second half - there was too much I didn't understand. I didn't and don't understand why Julian didn't look for Emma after she returned to England. I would have thought he would have torn up the world looking for her. Dukes have enormous power, all it would have taken was a word from him. I still loved the book but loved the first half more. This is one of those books where the heroine, Emma, to me was more compelling, stronger and braver than the hero. And more injured.

If you’re looking for one of those light historical romances filled with witty banter and glamorous balls, this isn’t it. More than one scene is downright grisly; a couple of the images still haunt me (and not in a good way). The love scenes, while not frequent, are equally graphic. The romance is well developed, as are the characters. The exotic India setting for most of the book is vividly (but not excessively) described. While some of the plot elements were a bit far-fetched, I found the author’s creativity and story-telling skills entertaining. Julian is a wonderful hero and if you don’t feel great sympathy and admiration for Emma, you and I are dissimilar enough that you’ll not benefit from reading my reviews. I wasn’t greatly surprised to learn this is Meredith Duran’s debut romance, as the writing isn’t quite as polished as I’d expected from her. Not that there were editing issues or excessive repetition, and I was quickly immersed in the story. If you like a lot of plot with your romance as I do, you’ll likely enjoy this author.

A wonderful story, truly heartbreaking and to MHO one of the best romance novels of late. Ms Duran writes in such a way that makes you feel a part of it. Her descriptions of India (I have never been there so pardon any mistakes on my part) made a vivid pictures in my head like I went there once and now I am reliving it...not to mention have she manages to depict all the emotions and turmoils of the characters.."How can I say you know me, when you know best what you feel? If I am a stranger to you, then I am."
I loved it!!

Blurb: Emma is brought to British-occupied India to marry her loathsome fiance, but a revolt breaks out and she flees with the quarter-Indian heir to a dukedom.

I liked the majority of this book quite a lot. The plot is actually pretty good, and it's very refreshing to read about a heroine who both struggles with her place in life as an unmarried Victorian woman, and who doesn't (as happens in so many crummy novels) don some anachronistic pants and a feminist 'tude, but instead expresses her dissatisfaction with being chattel in ways that seemed pretty realistic and appropriate to the period. I also enjoyed reading a book set in India that acknowledged the many, many downsides of colonialism. In general, this novel had a strong sense of place and time, and was not a Historical Romance In Name Only (HRINO).

Weirdly, I'd say that the romance between the two main characters was my least favorite part. It isn't bad (and it's very well-written) but while I really liked the characters individually, I didn't really feel the burning chemistry I think you're supposed to feel exists between them. But overall I very much enjoyed it.

Very different story about English aristocracy in India and the Sepoy rebellion. Aa artist heiress travels to India to marry her long time fiance and neighbour who is a Colonel in the British Army and meets his cousin, the heir to a Duke.
It contained descriptions of some very dark scenerios and some very zenophobic attitudes. Not a book for anyone looking for a typical "season in London" book. Very interesting descriptions and insights into a part of history that I have not read much about in other books.
Dark paintings, treason, and a glimpse into life in India. Very interesting reading!

What an amazing debut! Upon first seeing this book on the store shelf, I had thought "The Duke of Shadows" was going to be a light and easy read. Another in a sea of soup opera romances. I started reading it for fun and quickly found myself captivated. I was hooked by the amount of devastation, hope, despair, triumph, and genuine love this new author was able to portray through her characters and overall story. Both the hero and heroine are smart, brave, and utterly "real". Both become forever changed by the horrors of the war they live through. In the end, they each have lost any semblance of naivete but they find a new chance to hope through their love for one another. Very powerful!

PART 1:
Julian has lived his life torn between loyalty to two waring nations. He is a mix of English and Indian. Never completely embraced by either, he has learned to accept being an outcast. His challenge is only eased by his English title, "Duke of Auburn".

The English have been slowly taking over Indian lands. More and more of English society have been moving to India to claim a piece of it for their own. Young and naive, Emma arrived in India to meet with her fiance. She has lost all of her family. The only thing keeping her in society is her huge inheritance. At a ball announcing her engagement, Emma meets the mysterious Duke of Auburn. Her fiance warns her to stay away from Julian, but Emma is intrigued. Julian can't help but feel charmed by Emma's willingness to thumb her nose at society.

The people of India are tired of being treated as slaves in their own land. A rebellion is rising. Julian has tried to warn English officials, but they arrogantly believe the Indian people won't dare to strike against English troops. When Hell brakes lose, Julian's first priority is to get Emma to safety. He will then return to help his Indian relatives escape the war zone.

While traveling together for several days, Julian and Emma fall in love. Leaving Emma to return for his family is the hardest thing he has ever done, but Julian is sure she is in a safe place with his friends.

The rebels are everywhere, slaughtering every English man, woman, and child. Emma is forced to run for her life. For months she travels with other English survivors, waiting for Julian to find her. He promised to come for her. He declared his love for her. When she hears that he has left India and returned to England without her, her soul is all but destroyed.

Julian is devastated. After burying his Indian cousin, he set out to retrieve Emma. For months he searched for her. There is no trace. Only word that she ran for her life, with rebels on her heals. With no hope left, Julian is forced to accept that Emma has been killed. His heart broken beyond repair, Julian returns to England alone.

At this point, PART 2 of the story begins. It is 4 years later. Both Emma and Julian are back in England. Julian has been living as an empty shell, never able to heal from the loss of Emma. Emma has been closeting herself from the world, too broken over her experiences in India and her belief that Julian left her in India to die alone. When Julian finds Emma alive, the odds against them are fierce. Is there any chance for them? Can he possibly bring Emma out of the dark and cold shelter she has built around herself? Both Julian and Emma are changed people... Perhaps they are each a bit "deranged" by all they experienced. Perhaps they are the only hope for one another. Perhaps love can restore light and life.

If you are looking for pretty and sweet, look elsewhere. This story has far more depth. Julian and Emma get their HEA, but it is earned.

If you love romance novels with deep emotional substance, try this two- book series:
The Pride of Lions
Blood of Roses
Bring the Kleenex!

As a debut book, this book deserves 4 stars; otherwise, I would have given it three. I won't go over the plot again but offer a few observations:

The author dances around the edge of the politics of the Mutiny and makes some oblique references to the issues at hand but if fleshed out a bit more, there would have been a more substantial feel to the setting. I think she fails to capture the essence of India under the Raj and therefore deprives her characters of a real stage upon which to act out the story.

I felt that the hero, Julian, was rather two dimensional. We never really learn what makes him tick. We know he has a mixed racial heritage but we never fully understand the implications for him and how it impacts on his world view, his social standing, etc. And Emma was also a little strange. I found her stiff and lacking in emotion although I accept that she was traumatised by the events in the novel, she still seemed not to be warm and loving; indeed, she comes to life only when she is having sexual relations with Julian.

I love books set in India and the Mutiny is a poignant episode that many authors have used. When I compare this with Valerie Fitzgerald's Zemindar, or some of Emma Drummond's work, I think this book comes up far short.

I think this author clearly has talent but she needs to create characters more rounded that the reader can truly emphathise with. She needs to exploit her settings if she is going to use those that are exotic and unfamiliar. Although I can't say I would rate this a keeper, it was a good effort and the author can clearly go a long way.

This is a good romance: different, sexy, refreshing, edgy, gory. But it's a two-part-er, and the danger of a two-part story is that one half always outshines the other. This is the case with The Duke of Shadows. The first half is absolutely SPLENDID! The hero Julian is wonderful, the setting (India!) is exotic and vivid, and Emmaline the heroine is perfect--i.e., not angelic, not feisty like a small dog, not ridiculously stubborn, nor too stupid to live. I just love Part 1. I cannot stress that enough. I LOOOOOVE it.
Then comes Part 2. Years have passed. And Julian and Emma's personalities change drastically. Which is understandable, given that the two went through a lot of unpleasant stuff in Part 1. But neither the hero or the heroine are quite as, well...sexy, fun, or likable. He spends too much time pacifying her, and she's just chilly weird.
No no, don't scold me. I know I shouldn't expect to like all the characters in books I read. It's just that I liked Julian and Emma so darn well in Part 1. To be fair, the pair experienced seriously tramatic events, were separated, and kind of have a Big Mis going on. (Two plot devices I hate, so you know it's a good book if I'm still giving 4 stars.)

The character changes I can accept; they are plausible. Here's the real rub. The characters are emotionally damaged, but these wounds heal much too quickly. One character in particular has serious emotional stuff to work through (asylums are mentioned) but suddenly seems A-Ok. And that is what kept this from being a 5 star read. Not that Julian and Emma change for the worse because of the violence they encounter, but that they recover so quickly. Maybe Part 2 needed another 50-100 pages.

I'm not usually enamored with British/India set stories but this one was so highly praised, I had to find out what all the hoopla was about. What did I find? A story that is totally unique, engaging, heartbreaking yet uplifting all at once! We see the atrocities of a bloody and senseless war, we follow the aftermath in the lives of both Emmaline and Julian who lived through it. We also see the tragedy of depression, the fickleness of fate and above all, the deep and enduring nature of true love (sigh!)

By the end, I realized I have found an all-time favorite hero in Julian. His love knew no bounds, it was deep and everlasting. The fact that he was willing to live, loving Emma and helping her for the rest of his life, knowing she may never return that love, absolutely knocked me out! Even as she hurt and rebuffed him time after time, he stayed. Now, don't get me wrong, Emma had every reason to be hurt. One cannot even imagine the depth of her pain after all she went through nor can we totally understand her depression and her fears, they were so real and devastating. For Julian to know his failure, to remember her joy and see what she had become yet fight for their love is.... well, what great romance novels are made of

Sometimes Victorian romances can tend toward too light and airy. This one isn't. The title would make you believe that the hero was dark and tortured. However, in this story the heroine becomes even more so. Both of these characters are full bodied, rich and complex. This is a testimonial to the author, because I think that is hard to do in under 400 pages of text. There is wonderful scenery, an interesting and sometimes violent story, and two main characters who's love and tenderness made me cry. Both are strong but try to repress their vulnerability. They travel from India to London, and go through heart wrenching turmoil, but thankfully find each other in the end. When I read dialogue passages to my husband, when I laugh out loud at witty dialogue, when I have to get tissues because I am crying, I know I am reading a really good book. I will read the rest of Meredith Duran's novels, and hopefully she will continue with the same writing style as this one. Let us hope she will continue with characters that are complex, in whom I can get emotionally wrapped up.

In a phenomenally written historical romance about the Rebellion in India during the mid-1800's, Ms. Duran brings the splendor and trauma of this time to life and shows the richness of a culture that fought to remain, and the soldiers of England who were traumatized by this war. Yet in all the chaos, there is beauty and love between two remarkable characters, the very young and beautiful Emmaline Martin and the handsome and cynical Julian Sinclair, The Duke of Auburn.

When Emma's fiancé's betrayal leaves Emma trapped in India with no other family to help save her and get her out of India, she has no choice but to turn to Julian for help. The situation they find themselves in turns into an attraction for each other that deepened into an intense love. During the turmoil of the rebellion, Julian loses Emma and thinking her dead, returns to England and mourns her for years. But Emma is very much alive and has felt deserted by Julian. Using her talent as an artist, she sketches and paints the horrors of the India Rebellion over the years and is then encouraged to show her art in a special showing. Julian, struggling through his mourning, is finally pushed to return to society. Considered a traitor in India and a hero in London, Julian feels lost in both worlds until without Emma until he attends the special art show, recognizes the artist by the work he sees and discovers his Emma is alive! Emma's love has turned to indifference at feeling abandoned, while Julian's deep loss turns to anger at the thought that Emma was alive and never contacted him. But the years of feeling betrayed between them both has really intensified their love. Will Emma and Julian learn to come to terms with the past and the present, while at the same time discovering who the real traitor in India was?

In this well-written story, there is much intensity, mystery, and sensuality in a story that shows the ugliness of war, yet beauty and love that can rise from it all. Ms. Duran has done a wonderful job at research about a complicated time in history. The characters have such depth throughout the span of time of the story. It is sensual in a way that no other story could be given the time and situation the characters find themselves in. A Gather.com contest winner, The Duke of Shadows is truly a wonderful debut that reads as if it were written by a master of history and romance.

The love story of Emmaline and Julian is an amazing debut novel. But before I get into the "how"...let's talk about "why".

Julian is the half-Indian, half-English Duke of Auburn. He became the Duke ONLY because his grandfather did not want the title to leave the direct line. If he'd had another son or grandson to become his heir, Julians' grandpa would have left Julian a young orphan living on the streets of India. Instead Julian, who's parents had both died in horrible ways...had tired to be accepted by his Indian family, only to be rebuffed for his English blood. When his grandfather dragged Julian to England at a young age, Julian tired again to be accepted as English, but found he was resented and hated by the English for his Indian blood.

Emmaline was betrothed to Marcus, a Colonel in the British Army serving in India. Emmaline did not want to marry Marcus because she felt nothing for him. Her parents however, wanted the marriage to raise their daughter from the merchant class of her birth.

On the way to India for her marriage, Emmaline is the only survivor of a horrific shipwreck. After watching both her parents drown, Emmaline is picked up by a fishing boat two days after the wreck and brought to the Resident's house to be reunited with her fiancee.

She attends a ball with Marcus and within the first hour realizes she doesn't belong with the ton anymore. To top that off, she overhears a conversation discussing her fiancee and the wife of the one of the English residents. It appears her "loving" fiancee is having a torrid affair with a married woman. Emmaline is shocked and feels betrayed by both her parents and her fiancee.

She escapes to a balcony for air and a good cry, and meets Julian. He is enchanted with her because the first thing she says "pigs swill" is just not said by young English ladies! Virtually his first words to her are a warning to get out of the city and head for the hills as he fears an imminent revolt of the Indian conscripted troops under British control. It is precisely because Julian can blend with his Indian relatives that he knows the troop revolt is coming, and soon!

The scenes of the revolt and the deaths Emmaline witnesses are vivid and you actually feel her disgust, as well as the mental confusion.

Julian and Emmaline lose track of one another in the crisis and don't meet again until both are in England. Julian, who has not forgotten Emmaline, swiftly becomes her protector when she displays artwork which may contain information that will get her killed.

I won't provide any other spoilers because this book needs to be read for it's entire content.

As for the HOW this book makes you feel...I could almost smell the desert dust and feel the Indian sun beating down. The fear that Emmaline experienced was communicated to me in a visceral way. Her love for Julian as bright and pure. Julian's redemption comes from his love for Emmaline and is deftly managed to reflect inner strength.

The time period was researched religiously as were the customs of the period. The racism felt by both the English and the Indians was well written and remains relevant today.

These characters as well as the secondary cast were as real as fictional characters can get. Duke of Shadows will haunt you.

I agree with an earlier reviewer that said this author is off to an outstanding start and will in several years outshine many authors.

I recommend you buy this one in print. You will want it for re-reading.

Duke of Shadows is one historical romance that is a wonderfully written book by an author who is not to be missed. Meredith Duran is one author to watch and this freshman release shows how much she can bring to this genre.
Emmaline Martin has traveled all the way from England to be with her fiancé who is an officer in the army and stationed in Delhi, India. Emma's journey has not been an easy since the ship that Emma and her parents were on sank and Emma was the only survivor. She has still come to India alone and very much afraid and her fiancé only cares for her massive fortune.
One night at a party, Emma is noticed by Julian Sinclair, who is a Marquess of mixed English and native Indian descent and caught in between both worlds. There is something about Emma that calls to him. And even though it is not proper, he can't help but befriend her. Emma, in turn finds the Marquess to be a strange yet at the same time a man who makes her feel alive for the first time since her parents death.
As India is on the brink of warfare, Emma is caught in the crossfire but Julian saves her. As they journey to safety, they try come to grips with their attraction to each other. But Julian must go back to find his family and leaves Emma, not realizing his mistake.
When these two see each other again, it has been almost four years and now they are in England. Julian thought Emma was dead. Emma saw so much bloodshed and horror, that she still suffers and uses her pain to paint horrific paintings of her time in India as she waited for Julian to come back to her. And when Emma could possibly be a target for murder, Julian knows he must do whatever he can to keep her safe and this time he will try to win her heart back in the process.
If there is one book you read this year, it must be Duke of Shadows. Meredith Duran has written a mature, intelligent and emotional story of suffering and angst. The setting and characters are so different and fascinating that you will not want to take your eyes away from the page.
Meredith Duran is one author to watch for and with Duke of Shadows she has taken the historical romance world by storm. Do not miss out on one of the best romances this year!

Katiebabs

I think the word 'epic' is often overused when describing a book, but here it is completely justified. It has a depth to it that is rare in HR. The setting in India, the language, the thoughts and emotions, even the way the artwork is described ... it is beautiful and haunting at times and the sense of intensity stayed with me long after I finished reading it.

Maybe you have to be in the right mood to read something so moving - but I must have been, because I absolutely loved it.

I just finished the book and.Wow !!Wow ! Wow ! That was a magnificent, breathtaking, stunning journey Ms.Duran had taken us through..
Wow ..I feel so emotionally exhausted I feel drained ..

Rarely did I feel emotionally involved like this ..

The sheer brilliance of the writing style stunned me.. Wow ! what a talent !

I felt breathless many times while reading ..

The story was amazing ..it affected me ..it hurt me many times to read ..

I felt an agonizing pleasure ..this story is one hell of a love story ..you suffer the fires of purgatory to reach the HEA

Julian was amazing ..with his dazzling smile and brilliant green eyes ..i can see him in my mind's eye ..laughing ..joking ..speaking Indian ..defending and protecting Emma ..He was real..
This was once- in- a life time hero..

He was fiercely loyal ..loving ..generous ..genuinely good and kind ..sexy as hell ..Wow ..Most of the starts are for him ..He was so alive in his passion and pain ..

Then why did I take a star ?My answer I, must warn you ,might include some SPOILERS :

I HATED Emma ,not the Emma of the first part ,the Emma of the first part was lovely and adorable ..The Emma of the second part was ..deranged!

She was so depressing and stubborn ..

She gave me the creeps..

Julian was merry and cheerful and so full of love for her ..

She was hateful ....so dark and tortured for my taste..she inspired ugly and negative feelings in me ..

I felt sorry Julian had to be paired with a mad woman like her ..

You should read it to feel it ..

Her paintings were horrible ..horrifying..yes she suffered a lot I grant her that ..

but (SPOILER) ..why would any person write the disturbing sentences on the paintings without understanding them? Why take the letters ?Why ?(END OF SPOILER)

I don't get it ..it makes no sense ..she does NOT make sense ..I did not believe she loved Julian ..I did not get a sense of the HEA ..I can't believe such a disturbed woman would make Julian happy ..

I feel she will end up either in an asylum or commit suicide..

She reminds me of Sylvia Plath ..you know how she ended up !!With her head in an oven !!Emma is as brilliant and disturbed as Sylvia Plath..

Otherwise ..the story was magnificent ..brilliant ..epical ..lyrical ..everything u can imagine and not imagine

I highly recommend it ..but be aware ..it will make you feel conflicting emotions ..if you want a light read this is NOT for you ..

it will INVOLVE YOUR EMOTIONS !!

It will sweep you off your feet ..you will float to the heavens ..and fall on your head when it is done..

The Duke of Shadows is a powerful, emotionally provocative journey of the heart. Love. Love lost. And the heartache of reclaiming that love through redemption. Emmaline and Julian's emotions leap off the pages and twist at your gut. The inner struggle for the happiness they deserve is heart wrenching to the end. They are just so right together, the chemistry between them is fabulous and oh so right! I loved this book. Meredith Duran has a beautiful, compelling way with words. If you're one who tears up in books then I suggest you have a box of tissue handy. This one is a winner.

The main characters, Julian & Emmaline, the dialogue betwn the 2 set by the author made this couple so believable & lovable, lots of unwavering chemistry. And the time period Duran sets this couple in, India 1850s, just made this book even more enticing to read. I've never read an RN set in British India, Duran did a great job.

Her indepth story reminds of how Lauren Kinsale writes her stories, just very romantic & engaging plot. Love this story so much, I tend to reread it sometimes throughout the year, if i can't find a good RN to wind me down before I sleep.

THE DUKE OF SHADOWS - MEREDITH DURAN

I have mixed feelings about reviewing this book... I agree with the reviews posted here - this book has an original plot, it is well written and well researched by Duran. The characters are pretty solid and well developed - though the story was a bit stilted and disjointed at the beginning. The book progressed well, though at times a bit thin with too much rambling dialogue and I felt particularly that the interaction between the H/H was a little one-dimensional and it didn't have the meaty involvement it needed.

Duran picked a hard historical period to delve into - as it was a very bloody time in India, with the Sepoy uprising and the massacre of hundreds during the British Raj. Not my favorite period at all, but I managed to finish the book as it was a bit reminiscent of The Far Pavilions.

Emma and Justin are thrust together fleeing the bloodlust of the natives and finally succumb to their growing desire for each other. They fall deeply in love with the sexual scenes are sexy and explicit, but not that many.

I also don't care for novels where the H/H are separated for years and there is bitter misunderstanding and strife between them. It gets old. I for one, select romance(s) because I want a happy ending... though The Duke of Shadows did have a happy ending - it took way too long to get there. The many misunderstandings, feelings of betrayal and distrust that run deep between Emma and Justin, make you feel "okay, enough already!". I even skipped some of the inane and rambling dialogue in some chapters to get the conclusion. Still, after having said all that - I did enjoy the book. Duran's writing style was promising and will probably read her next novel.

I love that this book included British/India history, and the author painted the India scenery so wonderfully. The book really came alive and I could picture the hero very well. He was quite undefeatable and captivating. I also liked the fast pace and dialogue.

spoiler ahead:

The things that bothered me was the reason given as to why Emma was angry with the hero, and how he could not ascertain her true whereabouts. Also, it would be unlikely that one would include 'evidence' on display instead of getting rid of it at the earliest opportunity. And it made Emma look dumb that she did not lookup the meaning of the words before using them.

OMG!! just finished this book. it is so beautifully written that it brought me to tears. to me this book is on par with the english patient and the outlander. multidimensional characters who do not do the obvious and expected thing. great story/plotline. please read it, but as other reviewers mentioned it is graphically violent, which many romance readers cannot handle. however, being of indian heritage and knowing my homeland's history, it is all truthful to a word. kudos to ms duran, stunning debut novel.

I really enjoyed this romance. It's an exceptionally well written romance for adults. The tension, the historical setting and the relationships between the characters are well thought out and authentic. This is not a romance where the most out of this world events happen just to bring the characters together. There is depth to the emotions and the setting will resonate with the reader who has a curious mind. I really enjoyed the book and highly recommend it.

Brava, Ms. Duran! What an amazing debut you have made. This book was absolutely luscious; once started, I could not put it down. It's a sweeping story of duty and honor, love and betrayal, loss and redemption. The author's use of imagery and her ability to evoke emotion is unsurpassed. I can't recall the last time I read a romance that so fully captured my senses. I fell in love with both Emma and Julian; both of these characters are unforgettable and their story will capture your heart. I knew this book would be good, but it exceeded all of my expectations, and I can't wait for Ms. Duran's next release. I'm also hoping that Lord Lockwood will soon have his own story!

In 1857 her parents died in the shipwreck that Emmaline Martin was fortunate to survive. Although grieving she continues the journey to Delhi, India to meet up with her fiancé Marcus. He not only proves arrogant and snooty, he betrays her as the sepoy native soldiers revolt against the British. Half native and English heir Julian Sinclair saves her life bringing her to safety in the independent desert city Sheened, but they are separated when he follows his duty back to Delhi to negotiate a peace between the warring parties. When he returns to Sheened, she is gone; he can not find her so he sadly assumes she died. Shortly afterward Julian goes to England as a duke.

In 1861, paintings of India become the rage of London. Julian is ecstatic to find the artist is Emma as he never forgot her from their brief moments together. As they finish what they had no time to peruse in India, falling in love, someone tries to kill his Emma. Julian risks his life to keep her safe as he will not allow anyone ever again to split them apart.

Though somewhat typical of the Victorian romance, fans of the sub-genre will appreciate THE DUKE OF SHADOWS as two honorable individuals, outcasts in many ways, fall in love. Especially refreshing is the India sequence as readers observe the Anglo-native interactions. Emma and Julian turn Meredith Duran's historical into an entertaining read.

Harriet Klausner

Having read a string of disappointing historicals, I picked this one up to try a different author. Much to my surprise, this was one of the best books set in India I have ever read. So many historicals these days, are rather superficial and don't have the intensity of emotion this one does. I was so drawn into this book, it took me to another world. That is what good writing should do. Plot and character development was amazing. Am looking forward to her next book.

I really really love this book. After heaving read so many historical romances this one ist unique. Its epic, the story is exciting, the H/h are anything but boring. They fell in love under extrem circumstances and it is a fascinating reading how they find their way back to each other after the separation.
This book stands out in the historical romance genre. The dialogs are witty, the love scenes so well written, they belong to the story and do not only fit the purpose.
I only wished Emma and Julien had more time to show up as a couple. Maybe the story of Lockwood will bring them around.

I really enjoyed this book. It was driven by very real interaction between the 2 main characters. And they were believable, not simply convenient sticks to hang a story on. The sense of ambivalence about England in India was a welcome change from the normal Rah Rah Raj. And ther heroine's tenacity and emotional wounds make her very compelling. The end is satisfying without being sugary.

Meredith Duran has created an epic-feeling novel with this story. Lush, sweeping, evocative... those were the words resonating with me as I read it. She paints the scenery with her words and portrays the events of the time in such a realistic manner you're pulled into her world, both in India and England in a way that's different than other historicals. She obviously loves India and has done incredible research to transport the reader into that time period. I look forward to her next books!

Clear your schedules; you're not going to want to stop reading for a second!
I have been absolutely blown away by this emotionally charged romance. Every now and again I come across a truly phenomenal read and this is one for the record books.

Meredith Duran wove a love story so real with so much fire my stomach was in knots. The chemistry between the leads was palpable as was the sensual tension. The love scenes were steamy but on a very emotional level. These two characters belong together and I was totally convinced of their love. At no time was I compelled to skim. In fact, I wanted to start the book over as soon as I finished it- something I haven't done in years.

Brava, Ms. Duran!

I'm sure the previous reviews have said it all....however I just wanted to say this book was absolutely fantastic; I emailed the author shortly after reading it to express how wonderful the book was; I've read MANY novels and this is without a doubt one of the best. It's mesmerizing and it grips you in a way that you just simply can't forget it. I can't wait for her next book.!!

Meredith Duran has created an epic-feeling novel with this story. Lush, sweeping, evocative... those were the words resonating with me as I read it. She paints the scenery with her words and portrays the events of the time in such a realistic manner you're pulled into her world, both in India and England in a way that's different than other historicals. She obviously loves India and has done incredible research to transport the reader into that time period. I look forward to her next books!

Clear your schedules; you're not going to want to stop reading for a second!
I have been absolutely blown away by this emotionally charged romance. Every now and again I come across a truly phenomenal read and this is one for the record books.

Meredith Duran wove a love story so real with so much fire my stomach was in knots. The chemistry between the leads was palpable as was the sensual tension. The love scenes were steamy but on a very emotional level. These two characters belong together and I was totally convinced of their love. At no time was I compelled to skim. In fact, I wanted to start the book over as soon as I finished it- something I haven't done in years.

Brava, Ms. Duran!

I'm sure the previous reviews have said it all....however I just wanted to say this book was absolutely fantastic; I emailed the author shortly after reading it to express how wonderful the book was; I've read MANY novels and this is without a doubt one of the best. It's mesmerizing and it grips you in a way that you just simply can't forget it. I can't wait for her next book.!!

I struggled with this book because the writing was very dense and I had trouble picking out the story. It had huge potential but I found it was too slow getting to the point. I know many will disagree with me, but I guess...each to their own.

If you're looking for a historical romance featuring intelligence, passion, emotional nuance and depth - this is it! I truly loved this book. The writing is amazing and the story actually brought me to tears at times. It is a great debut by author Meredith Duran and I eagerly look forward to her next book.

The descriptions of scenes, characters and events are so vivid that you are right along side the hero and heroine through the whole ride. The romance and chemistry between the characters were great! MD is a great writer and I look forward to the next book.